The Noyo Center for Marine Science Crow’s Nest Interpretive Center sits directly on the Noyo Headlands in Fort Bragg. It is accessed via the Noyo Headlands Park Coastal Trail on a easy walking paved path. The Crow’s Nest has an expansive view of the Pacific Coast and supplies spotting scopes for marine mammal watching. There are also rotating marine science exhibits.
The Discovery Center features the convergence of science, art, and technology with interactive exhibits, plus a gift shop and the largest killer whale skeleton in the world! The Crow’s Nest is perched on a cliff along the Coastal Trail and is full of natural history, a tide pool aquarium with live creatures, and a great deck for whale watching. It’s a short walk between the two! So we encourage you to visit both while you are in Fort Bragg.
Gray Whales migrate right past the Crow’s Nest in Fall and Spring and can be seen all along the Coastal Trail. Other species, such as Blue, Minke and Humpback are also frequently spotted from the Crow’s Nest and Trail. Harbor Seals and California Sea Lions haul out on the off shore rocks visible from the Trail.
For the Gray Whales, peak viewing is during the migration periods, October to February and March to May. The other mammals are year round.
The trails are paved and easy walking, but there is limited water — bring your own food and drinks for picnics.
Crow's Nest Interpretive Center: South Fort Bragg Coastal Trail, Fort Bragg Headlands | Hours: Thur-Mon, 11am - 3pm
Discovery Center: 338 N Main St, Fort Bragg, CA 95437 | Hours: Thur-Mon, 11am - 5pm
